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Zero waste – what is it, and how to reduce waste production?

September 24th, 2018

Zero waste is a movement, where the main assumption is to reduce waste production by changing everyday habits. Contrary to appearances, what we put into the basket in the store entails a number of consequences, and has a very large impact on reducing, or increasing pollution in the world. Each bag, plastic spoon or disposable cup is important. Check what is zero waste, whether you can not to generate waste at all, and how to start implementing changes in your daily life.

Zero waste – is it possible at all?

Life in the style of zero waste is possible. This is best demonstrated by the story of the author of the book Zero waste home, Bei Johnson, who produces … a jar of waste every year. However, this is an extreme case and nobody expects you to achieve the same level – at least not immediately.

To avoid unnecessary stress and frustration, it’s a good idea to adopt a strategy, for less waste instead of zero waste. What does it mean? Simply produce less rubbish than before. Start, for example, by reducing the amount of plastic bags and straws brought to your home. When it becomes natural for you to make purchases in a material bag, go a step further and start to produce cleaning products yourself.

Remember – not all at once! At the beginning, you just need to limit the amount of plastic waste.

How to reduce the amount of garbage produced?

Reduce – limit the number of items held – it is not about suddenly getting rid of everything that you have at home. This would generate more trash. Instead – buy less. This applies to both clothes and household appliances and electronics, cosmetics, toys and souvenirs. Also, limit the purchase of products (including food) in plastic packaging. Instead, choose glass or paper packaging.

Reuse – use items that are in your possession again. Find a role, for things that you no longer use. Do you have a plastic package of coconut oil at home? Wash them and use them as a container for delicacies bought on a scale. You do not know what to do with the foil envelope in which the courier brought the package? Pack a parcel into it that you will send to someone else or use it as a trash bag. Did you get a hole in your trousers? Sew her instead of buying a new pair. What else can you do? Buy used clothes and furniture.

Recycle – process. Processing products on your own may seem difficult. Yes, it is, if you mean, for example, processing of plastics. However, approach it a bit differently. You can process leftovers of soap for new cubes. Process soda and vinegar for cleaning products. Convert an old pair of jeans or a shirt into a bag. It does not seem so hard anymore, right?

Rot – compost. Instead of throwing food left in the basket, compost it. You can use professional equipment, which you can set both in the garden, and on a balcony in a block or a wooden box. Thanks to this, you will gain, for example, valuable fertilizer for plants.

Remember that the way to zero or less waste can (and even should) be pleasant! Do not punish every foil that goes to your basket, but next time try not to take it. You can achieve really big success with small steps!